# II: Now Ask They of Birdalone, and Sir Leonard Speaks explained — The Water of the Wondrous Isles

> Chapter companion for The Water of the Wondrous Isles by William Morris.

## What happens

The champions return to the castle with Aurea, Hugh, Arthur, and Atra. They ask for Birdalone, but the chaplain Leonard reveals she is missing and in peril. Arthur reacts violently, but Baudoin calms him. The ladies are taken to chambers while the knights and castellan meet privately to hear Leonard's tale.

## Themes in this chapter

### Journey and Quest

The champions return from their quest only to face a new crisis: Birdalone's disappearance.

### Female Agency and Autonomy

Birdalone's absence and peril highlight her agency; the women react with emotion and resolve, urging the men to act.

## Character check-ins

### Birdalone

Missing and in peril; the knights seek her.

### Sir Baudoin

Leads the landing, calms Arthur, and organizes the search for Birdalone.

### Arthur the Black Squire

Pale and anxious; draws sword on Leonard upon hearing of Birdalone's peril.

### Leonard

The chaplain who brings the news of Birdalone's disappearance and peril.

### Sir Aymeris

Castellan who initially downplays Birdalone's absence, then joins the private council.

## Key lines

> Let none be so hardy as to touch this ferry, either now or hereafter; for there is peril therein.

Sir Baudoin warns everyone not to touch the boat because it is dangerous.

_Baudoin's caution about the magical sending boat._

> The Lady Birdalone is in peril, and she is not in the castle; I wot not where she is. Ye must send armed men to seek her out.

Leonard announces that Birdalone is in danger and missing, urging the knights to send armed men to find her.

_The revelation of Birdalone's disappearance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/ii-now-ask-they-of-birdalone-and-sir-leonard-speaks
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters